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Rare, Unique, and Unusual Boy Names

  1. Bates

    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Bartholomew

    • Description:

      Bates is a fresh version of Bartholomew, and feels more wearable than Bart. Bates could be considered a patriotic choice for American parents - Katharine Lee Bates was an author and professor best known for penning the words to "America the Beautiful".
  2. Osmond

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "divine protection"

    • Description:

      Once too tightly tied to the aging musical clan featuring Donny and Marie, Osmond may now be able to escape that association and join the cooler group of Os and Oz names, which include Osgood, Ozias, and even Oswald.
  3. Garland

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Description:

      A surprisingly wearable floral name for a boy.
  4. Imri

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "to say, my statement"

    • Description:

      One of the most modern-sounding Old Testament names, Imri is short and sweet enough to travel easily around the world. It is the name of two minor biblical figures, and also used by modern Hebrew speakers.
  5. Paschal

    • Description:

      Paschal is a masculine name derived from the Hebrew word 'pesach' meaning 'Passover.' It entered European languages through Latin 'paschalis,' referring to Easter or the Paschal feast. Historically used primarily among Christian communities, the name directly connects to the celebration of Easter and Christ's resurrection. Paschal gained modest popularity in medieval Europe, particularly in Catholic countries, and has been borne by several popes and saints. While never extremely common, it experienced some usage through the centuries, especially in religious families. The name carries strong spiritual significance while maintaining a dignified, classical sound. Today, Paschal remains uncommon, offering a distinctive religious heritage name that's recognized but rarely encountered.

  6. Conlan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "hero"

    • Description:

      An undiscovered Irish surname with a cool meaning. It could work as an alternative to Connor and Lachlan.
  7. Aureliano

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "gold"

    • Description:

      Italian variation of Aurelius.
  8. Eaton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "riverside"

    • Description:

      Eaton's similarity to Eton gives it an upscale Old School feel, though in the U.S. a name that sound like eatin' could have teasin' potential. Eaton could also sound like the much-more-familiar Ethan with a tough-guy accent.
  9. Flavio

    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish variation of Flavius, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "yellow, blond"

    • Description:

      Flavio is derived from Flavius, a surname used in Ancient Rome. These family names, or cognomens, were given to distinguish branches of the clan and were chosen based on a characteristic of an important bearer. In this case, the Flavius family patriarch was likely blond-haired.
  10. Maguire

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "son of the beige one"

    • Description:

      Although Maguire is such a prominent Irish surname —it ranks in the Top 40 in the Emerald Isle —this lively and cheerful family name has rarely been used as a first, unlike more familiar examples like Ryan, Riley and Reagan. The powerful and distinguished Maguire clan was known for their courage, leadership and resilience. The name's many notable associations include the unionizing Pennsylvania coal miners known as the Molly Maguires, actor Tobey Maguire and Dixie Chick Martie Maguire. Other spellings are McGuire and McGwire; two other handsome Irish surnames to consider are Malone and Magee.
  11. Philo

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "loving"

    • Description:

      Could Philo be the next Milo?
  12. Tulio

    • Origin:

      Modern version of Roman family name Tullius, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      Heard in both Italy and Spain, Tulio could make a more unusual alternative to Julio. Or with the rediscovery of many Roman names, you might want to go to the original Tullius, the middle name of the philosopher and statesman Cicero.
  13. Langdon

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "long hill"

    • Description:

      Classy-sounding surname name usually bypassed in favor of the simpler Landon.
  14. Jens

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Johannes or John, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Short but substantial Nordic name that travels well -- although it runs the risk of being confused with all the feminine Jen names.
  15. Macallister

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "son of Alasdair"

    • Description:

      Macallister as a first name is attracting new attention as the name chosen by Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer and venture capitalist Zack Bogue for their young son. Macallister is usually heard as a patronymic surname, meaning son of Alasdair or Alistair or any one of the spellings of the Scottish form of Alexander. Like all other names of this type, Macallister leads to the cute short form Mac.
  16. Quince

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "applelike fruit"

    • Description:

      The girls have Apple, Plum, Peaches, Cherry, and Berry: here's one variety of fruit suitable for a boy.
  17. Clovis

    • Origin:

      Teutonic, French, early form of Ludwig or Louis

    • Description:

      An aromatic, unconventional name.
  18. Louden

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "from Loudoun, Scotland"

    • Description:

      Louden began as a habitational surname for people from the town of Loudoun in Scotland. It is occasionally used as a first name, such as that of writer Louden Wainwright Jr. and his son, folk singer Louden Wainwright III, but is most often encountered as a surname.
  19. Ayo

    • Origin:

      Yoruba

    • Meaning:

      "joy"

    • Description:

      This charming West African mini name fits in with the other similarly short names that are all the rage right now. Actress Ayo Edebiri is the star of TV's The Bear.
  20. Friedrich

    • Origin:

      German variation of Frederick

    • Meaning:

      "peaceful ruler"

    • Description:

      One of the most familiar German names, with an upright Prussian image. Friedrich might just have been out for long enough to start coming back in.